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Seniors Key To Longhorns' Success

Tribune photo by JOHN CEBALLOS

Senior Michael Rivera looks for an open teammate during the Lennard High School boys' varsity basketball team practice. Rivera has been a shooting guard on the team for three years.

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By JOHN CEBALLOS

jceballos@tampatrib.com

Published: December 3, 2008

RUSKIN - A couple of seniors delight in the opportunity to contribute to Lennard High School's burgeoning basketball program one last time.

Power forward and center Isaiah Rice and shooting guard Michael Rivera have each been a part of the Longhorns' basketball team since the school opened in 2006.

During its first season, the basketball program didn't have enough players to field varsity and junior varsity squads and finished with a 1-25 record in varsity competition. Last season, the varsity team improved to 3-23.

At least one of the players has loftier goals for this season, which opened with a Nov. 24 road game at King High School. "I want to win more games than we lose," Rice said. "Even if we don't and things get tough, I want us to keep our heads up."

Rivera hopes his experience will help guide the team to more victories.

"I want to be a leader on the team and I feel like I can really do that this year," Rivera said.

Joe Willis, in his third season as Lennard's varsity basketball coach, believes both players will be a key part of his team's success.

"Isaiah has made huge strides and he could be a very dominant player if he stays focused," Willis said. "I can't say enough good things about Michael. He's a great student, a hard worker and has a good head on his shoulders. He should keep improving."

Rice, who moved to Apollo Beach from Columbus, Ohio three years ago, plans on studying business management and marketing at Hillsborough Community College for two years. He plans to transfer to the University of South Florida to finish his degree.

Rivera, who was born in Tampa but has lived in Ruskin most of his life, wants to attend USF and study mechanical engineering.

GET TO KNOW

WHO: Isaiah Rice and Michael Rivera

AGE: Both 18

SCHOOL: Lennard High School

GRADE: Both 12th

SPORTS: Rice, basketball; Rivera, basketball and football

FUTURE PLANS: Rice hopes to attend Hillsborough Community College and the University of South Florida and study business management and marketing; Rivera wants to attend the University of South Florida and study mechanical engineering.

Reporter John Ceballos can be reached at (813) 865-1555.

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